Monday, April 15, 2013

5 Minute Marinara Sauce

We were absolutely giddy when Vitamix sent us our very own 5200 blender to review 2 months ago! We have had so much fun with it. We have used it almost every day and I can tell you already it has made my life soooo much easier. I have already remade my 5 Minute Easy Peasy Marinara Sauce in the blender. We are all about simplifying things so it was perfect match for us.

So, first we tried just about every recipe we have ever posted that used a blender. Tomato sauce was smoother, ice cream was easier, peanut butter that did not require any oil and processing time what so much shorter. I was amazed at how well this blender worked.

I am pretty much a doubter when it comes to infomercials or demonstrations and products that make incredible claims. Honestly I have seen a demonstration inside Costco so many times and even so I didn't believe it would work like that for me.

Then I found a blender that claimed to be as good as the Vitamix for a lot less. So, I purchased that blender and honestly the first time it kicked butt (made my Orange Banana Smoothie). The second time the smoothie was all lumpy and by the 3rd time I had to pulse the smoothie because because it kept freezing up. I returned that blender to the store 3 times in 6 months and finally I realized that it wasn't what I thought it would be.

Fast forward to the Vitamix...

After I had a chance to look through the fabulous cookbook that comes with the unit, I was blown away. I made soup out of the blender, hummus, ice cream and so much more. If you follow us on social media I am sure you saw all the Tweets, Facebooks and Instagrams about it.

Well, one thing that I make all the time is tomato sauce. I have gotten to a point were I have my favorite products and I can make the sauce in about 5 minutes, using the blender and a pot. Recently I realized that I can make sauce all in the Vitamix which saves me time and saves me an extra pot to wash. It comes out hot and ready to serve. SCORE!

The only issue I had while using the Vitamix was getting used to the lid. I was accustomed to my old blender having a pour spout. When using my 5200 I had to be careful pouring until I was adjusted to it. Purely user error.

Now... The most fabulous news of them all. Knowing that I love this product soooo much I knew I wanted to share it with you!

We are so thrilled to be giving a Vitamix 5200 away today. See the Rafflecopter widget to see how to enter and win your very own Vitamix 5200! The giveaway runs through 4/18/13 11:59PM.

I wish you all good luck. I wish I could give everyone a blender. Believe me it is a game changer. Don't wait. Go get one. ❤ ❤ ❤ Scroll to the bottom to win.

Combine ingredients in a blender in the order they are listed. Process until your sauce is the consistency you prefer or if you are using a high powered blender, allow it to run for 4 minutes until smooth and steaming. Serve and enjoy!

If you are not using a high powered blender, you can puree then transfer to a pot and warm it over medium low heat or microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

I have one, but I want another for my work - would make life so much easier :)FYI dont store on a shelf high above and try to bring it down 1 handed - I received a black eye when the container fell LOL

The first think I would make is a green smoothie. Some Kale or spinach, pineapple, strawberries and half an avocado (cuz I can't do bananas). Then soup. I know you didn't ask for the second thing but........there it is.

I would make a protein drink first thing. I have anemia to the point that I need to have iron infusions, sometimes twice a year. The doctor suggested I supplement my diet by juicing and fresh protein shakes.

Would make my favorite green goodness smoothie. Haven't made one in a while since my blender died from overuse. Would love to have a "real" blender instead of the cheap box store kind. Then maybe I could make all the things I want to.

What would I make? Everything from smoothies to soup to ice cream! Winning this Vitamix would make not only me happy but my husband; He has to sit through every showing when the Today's Special Value on QVC! Thank you for the chance.

OMG!! You have no idea how long I've been dying to have one of these. I keep thinking I need to give a gift to myself and splurge but haven't been able to make it happen yet! I've been wanting to make my own special Italian sauce and would love the heat just like you mentioned no pot to clean!! Also, would love to try my special Alien green mean jolt juice, also, peanut butter, hummus, pesto sauce,tomato soup, and try all soups and juices and your wonderful recipes.....I want it soooo bad....:)thank you for the chance!!

What would you make first in your Vitamix? I would first make a vegan raw soup as I'm currently trying to switch over from eating meat & dairy because my body feels repulsed when I do. I love mixing and making things like my protein smoothies in the morning, soups for lunch and for dinner, homemade sauces, whether it be a red or white sauce. I absolutely love Hummus and Tzatziki dip too, so you can be those would be on there. :D

I would try to make a smooth picante sauce. I blend ALL of my sauces no matter what and they have to be smooth for me to eat them. I also eat crushed ice by the glass full and this would be wonderful for that also.